Poor oral hygiene is one of the main causes of bad breath. When we don't brush and floss regularly, food particles can get trapped in our teeth and gums, leading to the growth of bacteria. These bacteria release sulfur compounds that produce an unpleasant odor. Additionally, plaque buildup on the teeth can also contribute to bad breath.
If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, your bad breath could be caused by something other than a plaque or the foods you consume. Bad breath or halitosis has many causes, including dry mouth, medications you may be taking, or a condition called tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a condition of the lymph nodes known as your tonsils. The tonsils are located in your mouth, at the intersection of your throat and palate. Their primary function is to help your immune system by blocking germs from entering the throat. Tonsils are full of white blood cells that kill germs, too. The condition known as tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed and infected. Sometimes, tonsillitis can be caused by a condition called tonsil stones, where the tonsils become full of ‘stones’ or hardened calcium deposits that get stuck in the pits and crevices of the tonsils. These calcium deposits are caused by oral plaque and bacteria and bits of swallowed food. Though tonsil stones are usually harmless, if they become infected your dentist may recommend they be removed, especially if your tonsillitis is recurring. Though tonsillitis is more common in children, it can still affect adults. Dr. Martin Abelar is a dentist practicing in San Diego, California. He says that tonsillitis is a common cause of bad breath because of the inflammation it causes. “Tonsilitis can be a major contributor of bad breath because it inflames the mucous membranes of the tonsils, making them cause a foul odor. Also, the bits of food and plaque stuck in the tonsils may cause foul odor as they decompose.” Abelar says that if you have difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat you may have tonsillitis and should be seen by a dentist for an evaluation. Bad breath is another symptom you may want to be on the lookout for. “If you do have bad breath, try the traditional means of eliminating it first. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss your teeth, and if you don’t already add steps to your routines such as mouthwash and tongue scraping.” As for tonsil stones, Abelar says they are usually harmless and unless they are causing pain can usually be left alone and can clear up on their own, but if you are concerned about bad breath or infection, you should speak to your dentist about having them removed. Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint How To Prevent White Spots On Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Orthodontics Artificial Intelligence Could Soon Diagnose Osteoarthritis Of The Temporomandibular Joint September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Autism Could Increase The Risk Of TMJ Dysfunction September 30, 2023 Denstistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
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Apple cider vinegar is another natural remedy that can help freshen breath. It has antimicrobial properties that can help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.
Certain medical conditions, such as sinus infections, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal issues, can cause chronic bad breath. A healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause of bad breath and recommend appropriate treatment.
Smoking is a bad habit any way you slice it, but one thing it’s fairly well known for is causing halitosis, or “smoker’s breath.” Smoke particles can linger in the throat and lungs for hours, giving your breath a stale scent. The chemicals in tobacco smoke also remain in the mouth, leading to a whole host of secondary causes of bad breath. As mentioned briefly above, tobacco can lead to chronic bad breath by drying out the tongue and gums, leaving a chemical-filmed environment where oral bacteria can run amok. Giving up smoking is good for your body in many ways. Forget better breath – you’ll have a better quality of life!
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Even though tonsil stones are difficult to see, they still end up causing symptoms that can help you identify them. Symptoms include: Bad breathSore throatTrouble swallowingEar painOngoing coughSwollen tonsilsWhite or yellow color formation on tonsils
If you smoke or use oral tobacco products, you may experience frequent bad breath. All types of tobacco products can cause bad breath, but they can also lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. If you’ve been using tobacco products for any amount of time, the team at Scott Edwards DDS can check for warning signs.
If you smoke or use oral tobacco products, you may experience frequent bad breath. All types of tobacco products can cause bad breath, but they can also lead to much more serious oral health issues. Apart from leaving your mouth smelling like an ashtray, they damage the gum tissue and cause gum disease. If you’ve been using tobacco products for any amount of time, the team at Scott Edwards DDS can check for warning signs.
As periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent gum disease from the beginning. If it has progressed to the point if periodontal disease, your dentist will be able to suggest the best course of action to start the healing process.
While some treatments for halitosis can be done at home, the dentist can be a great source of advice and information. If you’re having trouble treating halitosis, visit Williams Square Dental and put an end to bad breath. Your dentist will give you a thorough examination to determine the cause of your bad breath, and help you take steps to end it.
There are several over-the-counter products available that can help combat bad breath. Mouthwashes containing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or cetylpyridinium chloride can help kill bacteria and freshen breath. Breath mints or lozenges containing menthol or eucalyptus oil can also provide temporary relief from bad breath.
Tongue scraping is a practice that involves using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria and debris from the surface of the tongue. The tongue harbors a significant amount of bacteria, which can contribute to bad breath. Tongue scraping helps remove this bacteria and can improve breath odor.
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St. Louis Sinus Center has solutions for allergies, sinus, and snoring problems that help you live more comfortably. For more information on our services, call our St. Louis or Festus office.
Bad breath that is due to simple causes such as foods may be more easily masked or eliminated than bad breath due to medical conditions, infections, or medication side effects.